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Police dispersed pro-Palestine demonstrators at Boston University on Monday as they attempted to establish an encampment to protest the war in Gaza. Activists called for the university to divest from Zionist groups and reject ICE agents on campus. The encampment ended after demonstrators faced threats of mass arrest from various police departments.
New England shrimp fishermen face an extended moratorium as regulators consider a five-year ban due to persistently low shrimp populations. Climate change and environmental conditions in the Gulf of Maine have contributed to the decline of this once-thriving winter delicacy. A small winter sampling program yielded disappointing results, prompting concerns about the industry's future.
MIT police investigate multiple incidents of hateful speech on campus, including swastikas and violent graffiti, as reported by President Sally Kornbluth. Kornbluth expressed concern over the rise of such incidents, especially following the recent shooting of activist Charlie Kirk. The university pledges to address these acts through a disciplinary process.
A U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement officer detained 16-year-old Gustavo Enrique De Oliveira in Milford after he reportedly ran from a masked individual. The incident has sparked community outrage and raised concerns over immigrant rights, especially as it follows a similar detainment of another local teen earlier this year.
The Cambridge City Council approved a motion to close Lower Bow Street in Harvard Square to vehicle traffic, creating outdoor dining spaces for local restaurants starting in spring. Transportation Commissioner Brooke McKenna noted the successful pedestrianization during construction and COVID-19, advocating for the change. City Councilor Patty Nolan continues to push for the installation of automatic bollards for delivery access, despite city concerns over maintenance and reliability.
Mayor Michelle Wu announced the opening of nominations for the fourth annual Legacy Business Awards, encouraging residents to submit long-standing Boston businesses that have contributed to their communities for at least 10 years. The nomination period runs until October 31, 2025, and the city will honor 30 award winners at a public ceremony on June 1, 2026.
A California judge denied Erik and Lyle Menendez's request for a new trial, rejecting claims of sexual abuse by their father as insufficient to overturn their convictions for killing their parents in 1989. The ruling follows recent denials of parole for both brothers, who have served over 30 years in prison.
A Gloucester bar, the Rhumb Line Bar & Restaurant, was ransacked early Sunday morning, leading to a $1,000 reward for information on the suspect. Owner Frank Shrigley reported that several bottles of scotch were stolen, and the establishment was left in disarray. Community members expressed sympathy and outrage following the incident.
Massachusetts homebuyers increasingly seek affordable options on the South Coast as prices in Greater Boston soar. Bristol County saw over 6% growth in home sales year-over-year, attracting buyers from more expensive areas. First-time buyers are particularly drawn to cities like Fall River and New Bedford, where homes are more affordable.
The Boston Parks and Recreation Department received a federal grant to conserve 150 gravestones at Dorchester North Burying Ground, one of the oldest burial sites in the U.S. This project, supported by the National Park Service and the Massachusetts Cultural Council, aims to preserve the site’s historical significance for future generations.